JOB DEMANDS, JOB RESOURCES AND OCCUPATIONAL TURNOVER INTENTIONS: TESTING A STRESS-MEDIATED MODEL GROUNDED IN JD-R AND CONSERVATION OF RESOURCES THEORIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This research study investigates the impact of Job Demands (JD) and Job Resources (JR) on Occupational Turnover Intentions (OTI), with Occupational Stress (OS) serving as a mediator, through the lens of Conservation of Resource Theory (COR) particularly emphasizing on the Job Demands and Resources (JD-R) framework. Adopting a quantitative design, structured questionnaires were administered to faculty members of the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. A total of 206 valid responses were obtained using non-probability, convenience sampling. Statistical analysis was conducted using regression-based techniques to examine the direct and indirect mediating effects. The findings reveal that Job Demands (JD) significantly increases Occupational Turnover Intentions (OTI) through Occupational Stress (OS), confirming that heightened work pressure and emotional demands substantially elevate faculty stress levels, which in turn drive turnover intentions. Conversely, Job Resources (JR) did not exhibit a significant mediating pathway through Occupational Stress (OS), suggesting that the protective role of resources may be weaker in high-demand academic environments. The results underscore Occupational Stress (OS) as a critical mechanism linking work-related demands to turnover intentions, while highlighting the asymmetrical influence of demands and resources in predicting negative occupational outcomes. The study contributes to Job Demands and Resources (JD-R) theory by refining its application in the academic contexts of developing and emerging economies. It also offers practical insights for higher education institutions (HEIs), including university leaders, governing bodies, education administrators, HR managers, and policymakers, by emphasizing the implementation of demand-management interventions to alleviate workplace pressures and well-being initiatives to enhance employees’ psychological resources, thereby reducing stress and supporting faculty retention.

Keywords: Job Demands, Job Resources, Occupational Stress, Occupational Turnover Intentions, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).